Catherine Thygesen

Catherine (Katie) Thygesen, age 82, of Red Wing, passed away peacefully on February 10, 2008, at St Brigid's at Hi-Park, of natural causes, after a full and rewarding life. She was born in Welch Township on January 1, 1926, to William and Margaret (Nilan) Wiederholt. She attended rural school and graduated from Red Wing Central High School in 1943. She was married to Ernest Thygesen on May 28, 1948. Catherine worked for the World War II Ration Board for the duration of that program and later held various office jobs in Red Wing. She worked as a seamstress out of her home while raising her four children. For the last thirty years, Katie worked in retail in a number of places, including Ehlers, Hughes, Hush Puppies, Macushlas' and lastly, Good as Gold. She enjoyed working with the public, often saying it "kept her young". Her joyful personality and wonderful sense of humor brought smiles to many faces. Katie loved following her grandchildren's events. She often attended school activities; most recently basketball. She felt blessed to have had the opportunity to attend a couple of recent high school basketball games in person. Katie was an avid sports fan and was present in the stands to cheer on the Aces. When her health did not allow her to attend in person, she was glued to the radio. Catherine loved needlework, sewing, and cooking and baking for her family and friends. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren will always remember "Grandma's" wonderful homemade cookies.

She is survived by her daughters, Joyce (Mangor) Krogstad of Austin, MN; Jane (Guy) Wennblom of Diamond Bluff, WI; Judy (Jim) Illg and son, Jerry (Deb) Thygesen, both of Red Wing; eight grandsons, one granddaughter; ten great-grandchildren; two sisters, Eileen Broze and Peg (Bob) Salmonson, both of Red Wing. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband on December 10, 1991, and one brother, Ray.

Mass of the Resurrection will be 11 a.m. Thursday at Church of St. Joseph with Father Bill Matzek officiating. Burial will be in the Calvary Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday with a 7 p.m. prayer service at the Mahn Family Funeral Home, Bodelson-Mahn Chapel and at the church for one hour prior to the service. Memorials are preferred to the Fairview Red Wing Hospice.